PETALING JAYA: The country’s security can be compromised if the issue of fake identity cards is not resolved, say security analysts.
If criminal syndicates are able to bypass the security features of the identity card microchip which stores the data of the holder, it would be a major security breach, said cybersecurity expert Fong Choong Fook.
“A fake MyKad is likely to contain an unusable chip. But what if the syndicate can bypass the chip manufacturing process and criminals can steal certificates or data.
“It can also happen if there are insiders (at the National Registration Department) working with the syndicates. This can lead to a major cybersecurity issue,” he said.
Fong, who is executive chairman of cybersecurity firm LGMS Bhd, said the government must ensure that it has stronger mechanisms to validate identification cards to weed out fake ones.
He also called for stiffer penalties against those involved in producing fake MyKad.
“The authorities must carry out a review on how the cards are issued and audit the processes involved,” he added.
Universiti Sains Malaysia criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy agreed that the NRD should ensure that it is clean of unscrupulous or corrupt employees.
“The management must ensure that their system is foolproof and no employees are working with criminal syndicates to produce fake MyKad,” he said.
He said the government must be serious in preventing the activities of syndicates who were able to produce high quality fake documents.
“To what extent are fake MyKad available in Malaysia and possibly elsewhere?
“If indeed fake MyKad are easily accessible, then we do have a major national security problem,” he added.
Sundramoorthy said there was a danger of fake MyKad landing in the hands of terrorist groups or hackers.
“While some illegal immigrants have been caught with fake MyKad, there may also be members of terrorist groups or crime syndicates
“Holders of fake MyKad can also beat the system and apply for jobs classified as important for national security.
“Those having fake MyKad can also be involved in fraud activities which can lead to financial losses,” Sundramoorthy said.
